Review – Gauhar Jaan: The Datia Incident at Omnibus Theatre
The Datia incident is the historical re-imagining of Gauhar Jaan, the first Indian Diva to be recorded on the gramophone. It’s Tarun Jasani first play and it’s aiming to celebrate the early 20th century musical revolution.
Entering in the foyer of the theatre, and later in the performance space, it feels like you just arrived in India. The décor, the music, the exhibition that can be enjoyed in the pre-show time, set the mood for what will come after.
The show opens with Fred Gaisberg (very well brought to life by Jordon Kemp), who’s travelling across India to capture the voice of Gauhar Jaan, the nightingale of India. During his journey he meets several locals (all played by the versatile Jas Steven Singh), who tell him different version of the Datia Incident, a controversial event that happened at the court of the Maharaja. We’re then transported to the Maharaja court to see those rumors, those legends, those facts played out. And we get to meet Gauhar Jaan, beautifully played by Sheetal Kapoor. It is presented to us first as a very powerful woman, a courtesan, an artist with an army of 7 notes, who’s committed to be recognized for her Art. We also meet Bakshi Saheb, the Maharaja’s servant whose machinations and games are masterfully played by Davesh Kishore, and we meet the Maharaja himself, whose insecurities and doubts are very well acted by Harmage Singh Kalirai.
The first act is all about the power-struggle between an insecure Maharaja, a cunning servant and a fierce female artist. It is engaging, interesting and easy to follow. The frame with Gaisberg travelling to India is an interesting storytelling device that guides us through the play and builds up the tension for the first encounter between him and Gauhar Jaan. It’s impossible not to be fascinated by the world that is created on stage. The set is able to transport the audience to India with few simple touches (the rugs, the curtains, the maharaja’s throne), and Arunima Kumar’s choreographies are enchanting to watch. Every movement of the dancers is studied, and executed with elegance by the three dancers (Arunima Kumar, Kesha Abirami, Shivani Miru). Sheetal Kapoor’s portrait of Gauhar Jaan is compelling. She manages to create a strong woman, adding in the movement and the way she delivers her lines a femininity and sensuality that makes her a truly three dimensional character. Davesh Kishore’s Bakshi is a pleasure to watch. He is able to turn a character we would be inclined to dislike, in a human being we can relate to, and somehow we’re on his side. His performance is a delight to watch, his reaction to each character in every scene are full of life and thoughts, and he’s able to add something to the story with a simple sight, or a light change of expression.
As much as the first act is promising, the second act feels rushed and somewhat unfinished. We’re left with lots of unresolved questions and the meeting between Gaisberg and Gauhar Jaan, the meeting we’ve been waiting for since the beginning of the play, feels forced and leaves the audience confused.
Despite this, the play is a great excuse to explore the interesting story of Gauhar Jaan, and to get to know more about her life and her Art. It’s an evening worthy of your time.
Dates: Tue 10 – Sun 29 Apr, 7.30pm, 4pm Sunday
Tickets £15, £12 Concessions
For ages 14+
Venue: Omnibus Theatre
Box Office: Tel: 020 7498 4699
Email: boxoffice@omnibus-clapham.org
Online: www.omnibus-clapham.org
1 Northside, Clapham Common, London, SW4 0QW
Twitter: @Omnibus_Theatre
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